TOLEDO, Ohio – The race for the Ohio Statehouse in District 44 is still open, with a razor‑thin margin of 56 votes separating Democrat Dave Fournier and Republican Ed Schimmel. Both candidates are urging voters who submitted provisional ballots to complete the cure process so their votes can be counted.

Provisional ballots could decide the winner

District 44, an open seat after Rep. Josh Williams left to pursue a congressional bid, spans portions of Lucas, Wood and Ottawa counties. The contest pits two attorneys against each other, and the final outcome may hinge on the handful of provisional ballots still awaiting verification.

LaVera Scott, director of the Lucas County Board of Elections, explained that many voters mistakenly believe a provisional ballot will not be counted. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh my god, if I voted provisional it won’t count,’” she said.

In reality, provisional ballots are counted once voters provide the required identification during the cure period. Scott outlined the steps: “If you went to cast your provisional ballot and you did not have your identification with you, this allows you to be able to bring your identification into our office. We will put that with your actual provisional ballot affirmation that you filled out here and then if everything else of course is correct on your affirmation, and you went to the correct precinct to vote, then we would be able to count your ballot at the time provisionals are counted.”

Extended cure period gives voters more time

The cure window now extends up to four days after the election, a change from an earlier, longer period. County boards of elections remain open through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist voters in resolving any issues.

“It was a longer period at one point, but currently it is up to the four days after an election,” Scott said. “We want to make sure every eligible voter has the opportunity to have their voice heard.”

Next steps for the provisional ballot review

The Lucas County Board of Elections will meet publicly on November 16 to determine which provisional ballots are accepted or rejected. Not all of those ballots will contain votes for the District 44 race, but the decision could tip the balance.

Because the district crosses three counties, election officials in Wood and Ottawa counties will conduct parallel reviews in the coming days. Voters in those counties are encouraged to check with their local boards to ensure any provisional ballots are cured promptly.

Why the race matters

District 44 has become a focal point for Ohio Democrats seeking to flip a seat previously held by a Republican. A win for Fournier would add to the Democratic effort to gain a foothold in the state legislature, while a victory for Schimmel would preserve the GOP’s current advantage.

Both campaigns have emphasized the importance of every vote, especially in a race this close. As the cure deadline approaches, election officials stress that the integrity of the process depends on voters following the proper steps to verify their identity.

What voters should do now

• Check your provisional ballot status with the Lucas, Wood or Ottawa County Board of Elections.
• Gather the required identification (driver’s license, state ID, or other acceptable ID).
• Visit the appropriate election office before the four‑day cure deadline.
• Confirm that you voted in the correct precinct to avoid disqualification.

With the final count still pending, the District 44 race serves as a reminder that civic participation does not end at the ballot box. Voters who took the extra step to cast a provisional ballot now have a final opportunity to ensure their voice is heard.

Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.